But he also said that women should feel that they are able to safely and fairly report sexual harassment and assault, adding that such behavior has "no place in our society or in the workplace."

"I think it's important that any woman feels that she can make a complaint if she's been subjected to sexual harassment or sexual assault, that have no place in our society or in the workplace," he told The Associated Press in an interview streamed on Facebook Live.

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"Each case has to be evaluated on the merits of course," he added. "We shouldn't have trial by newspaper."

Cotton's comments came as a number of powerful men in politics, media, entertainment and beyond face allegations of sexual misconduct — behavior that, in some cases, spanned years or even decades.

Among those who have faced allegations in recent weeks is GOP Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women. Moore has denied the allegations.

Cotton said Thursday that Moore's fate should ultimately be decided by Alabama voters.

"The people of Alabama are going to decide Roy Moore's fate," he said. "The people of Alabama are going to make that decision, just like the people of this country made their decision last year on Donald Trump."

Earlier this week, Trump endorsed Moore and the Republican National Committee reinstated its support for the candidate, despite cutting ties with his campaign last month. The special election is set for Tuesday.